THE ART AND CRAFT OF NATURAL DYEING: Traditional Recipes for Modern Use, J. N. Liles.
The author consolidates the lore of older dyers with his own first-hand experience to produce both a history of natural dyes and a practical manual for using pre-synthetic era processes on all the natural fibers.  A general section on dyeing and mordanting and a glossary introduce the beginner to dye technology.  Scores of recipes provide detailed instructions on how to collect ingredients, prepare the dye vat, troubleshoot, and achieve specific shades.  231 pgs, sc, $19.95  #139065

THE ASHFORD BOOK OF DYEING: Revised Edition, Ann Milner.
From an outline of the basic principles, the author takes a step-by-step approach, describing fabrics, relevant dyes (both natural and chemical) and techniques.  For the more experienced dyer, she also provides detailed recipes for named dyes, instructions for advanced techniques, and a clear discussion of percentage dyeing, a system which enables the dyer to recreate exactly a specific shade or color.  The author shows how to achieve novelty effects with hot exhaust dyeing and how to use such novel heat sources as the sun and the microwave oven.  ISBN: 9780473126711.  Softcover, 150 pages, $30.00  #139159

COLOR WORKS: The Crafter's Guide to Color, Deb Menz.
We all love color—its boundless array of hues dazzles our eyes, expresses our moods, and enriches our very lives. Thanks to Deb Menz, master teacher and author of the highly respected book Color in Spinning (Interweave Press, 1998), you can now explore colors with confidence in whatever craft medium you call your favorite. This is the first book to bring the principles of color theory down to a practical level and apply them to knitting, spinning, weaving, surface design (including stenciling and rubber stamping), hand- and machine-embroidery, beadwork, quilting, and paper collage. Basic color concepts are presented in sections on color description, values, contrasting and complementary colors, warm and cool colors, undertones, using color relationships, and much more. But the real treat is seeing a dynamic palette of color harmonies worked up in each medium! This approach is invaluable for mixed-media artists or those who simply dabble in more than one craft. Also included is a pull-out color wheel and a very handy section of hue cards in perforated format that are easy to remove and use for planning, matching, and shopping for supplies (Plus, there is a handy pocket in the back of the book to hold them!). If understanding color is the bridge to creative expression, how did we ever live without this book?  Covered spiral binding, 7 x 9 1/4, 152 pages, 55 color photographs, color strips, two color wheels, ISBN 1-931499-47-0  $24.95  #239079

CRAFT OF THE DYER: Colour from Plants and Lichens; Second Revised Edition, Karen Leigh Casselman.
For beginners and advanced dyers, this book covers safe, ecological and sound dyeing procedures using some energy saving techniques. Dyestuffs with plants are indexed by common and botanical names and by color produced. I enjoyed the information on gardening as well as what to take for urban and rural collecting. Sources are from America, Canada, Britain, and Ireland with nothing rare or imported except indigo. There's a pride in doing things from scratch and the diversity of shades produced always harmonize. Four color plates.  ISBN: 0486276066. 5½" x 8½" softcover. $11.95  #139231

A DYER'S GARDEN, Rita Buchanan. 
Using dyes from plants is my way of saving colors...", states the author, and she helps you rediscover old techniques, research and crate new ones and grow your own for more opportunity and greater reward.  Photos and descriptions of 30 plants are supplied, related species, and how to grow them and how to dye hundreds of colors.  The author discusses which plants to grow or not to grow; she has included questions from seminars she teaches, with answers.  Paperbound, 6 x 7 1/4, 112 pages, color photographs, ISBN 1-883010-07-1. $12.95  #239008

A HANDBOOK OF INDIGO DYEING, Vivien Prideaux.
This exciting craft book on the art of indigo dyeing has an emphasis on natural fibers. Prideaux uses clear gradational photographs and well-researched information. Although the age-old art of indigo dyeing can be messy and potentially hazardous, careful guidance from the author calms any concerns with thorough assistance on safety and preparation. You will discover Japanese "Shibori fabric resist…" and its "…wonderful effects…produced by folding, stitching, binding and clamping…" Several projects include an Asian jacket, cushion, and scarf in exceptionally rich blues.  ISBN: 0855329769. 8½" x 11" softcover. 96 pages. $25.00  #139284

HAND-DYED YARN CRAFT PROJECTS, Debbie Tomkies.
A dazzling new world of color opens up for knitters and crocheters when they discover how to dye their own yarn. Best of all, only basic kitchen equipment is required. Here are easy-to-follow instructions for creating customized color combinations--from subtle hues to wild, exotic blends--and for using them in 12 eye-catching projects, arranged progressively. Rainbow dyeing is the main technique shown, but spraying, resist, yarn painting, and overdying are also thoroughly covered, and readers are encouraged to experiment freely. The knitted projects range from a Colorful Woolly Scarf to a Super-chunky Child's Jumper, and the crocheted items include such stunners as the Ultrawarm Chenille Scarf, Beaded Wrist Purse, and Sleeveless Top in Wild Thai Silk. Demonstrating the techniques that can be used to create unique and attractive yarn accessories by adapting or adding a range of embellishments, this title includes projects that range from subtle hues to wild, exotic blends.160 pages.  ISBN:1861083149. 8 1/4'' X 10 7/8'' Softcover. $17.95  #139371

HANDS ON DYEING, Betsy Blumenthal & Kathryn Kreider.  This workbook on controlled dyeing teaches you an easy method to obtain repeatable, predictable results with the use of commercial dyes.   Sections include rules of controlled dyeing, equipment, mixing the dye stock solutions, fiber types, applying dye, color theory, color mixing, resist techniques, overdyeing for set of harmonious colors, and overdyeing to subdue colors.  The rewarding and simple projects give you practice in both dyeing and using your custom colored yarns and fabrics.  Paperbound, 8 1/2 x 10 3/4, 111 pages, color and black and white photographs and illustrations throughout, ISBN 0-934026-36-X.  $21.95  #239009

INDIGO, MADDER & MARIGOLDS: A Portfolio of Colors from Natural Dyes, Trudy Van Stralen.
Flowers, foliage, roots, and the heartwood of various trees have been used as dyestuffs since antiquity to produce a rainbow of vibrant colors. Trudy Van Stralen, one of the most respected natural dyers and teachers of the craft in North America, shows how to achieve a full spectrum of hues from just a few dyepots using minimal mordants and a creative approach to dye mixing, overdyeing, and pH modifications. Over 200 individual recipes are included along with dozens of full-page photographs presenting a feast of color on fibers, yarns, and fabrics.  Hardbound, 8 1/2 x 11, 128 pages, color photographs throughout, ISBN 0-934026-86-6$29.95  #139158

MAUVE: How One Man Invented a Color That Changed the World, Simon Garfield.
History. Everything has it. Even the color mauve. Most textile workers have set fiber to dye, natural or chemical. But how did we get to where we are now, zillions of colors, fairly safe to humans, and no chemistry degree necessary. William Perkin and the Industrial Revolution gave us our way of having color in our daily life today. But what was this Revolution like from the 19th Century point of view? Aniline dyes: the author says these common compounds pretty much changed industrialization and culture for the whole world. Anyone interested in using color now and who is curious about history will find this a good, quick read.0393323137. Softcover,  $13.95  #139162

NATURAL DYES, Gwen Fereday.
This new book is a manual for the textile artist who wants to avoid the strong chemicals of industrial dyeing, sustain natural plant sources, and achieve the expected results. Good, clear information for handling the material to be dyed, the dye stuff, and the peripheral chemicals and tools for a successful dye project fill the first sections. The main content of the manual are the full-page color swatch wrappings opposite a page of simple recipes for each swatch based on the information from the first section. The swatches are presented in color groups and fiber type: animal fibers, cotton (plant) fibers. Experienced dyers will find this layout very clear and usable. Beginner dyers will find plenty of inspiration for learning the techniques and achieving the desired colors. This would be a great starting point for a guild work group.  ISBN: 1893063070.  8 1/2" x 8 1/2" hardcover, 104 pages.  $34.95  #139251

NAVAJO AND HOPI DYES, Bill Rieske.
Here are 84 definitely formulated recipes including those developed through experimentation in a perfection of the native dyes found on the reservation.  We're told how the People start a rug, observations regarding native dyes, wool preparations, colors, whitening and mordants.  The section on Hopi dyes was written so the Hopi would not forget the accomplishments and discoveries of their people in this rapidly changing world.  5½" x 8¼", 90pgs, sc, $17.95  #139075

THE TWISTED SISTER'S SOCK WORKBOOK: Dyeing, Painting, Spinning, Designing, Knitting, Lynne Vogel.
The title gives you a big clue: this book is about sisterhood, sharing, crafting, giving, laughing.  It’s also about spinning yarn and making socks—not just any old yarn or any old socks, but glorious, zany, wildly colorful yarn for perfect-fitting socks of character.  Dip-dyeing, pour-dyeing, and hand-painting yarns or wool rovings is as easy as making homemade soup, whether you use commercial dyes or Kool-Aid®.  If you like starting from scratch, spinning one-of-a-kind yarn is easier than you think.  And the socks—a pair of well-crafted, perfectly fitting socks is one of life’s true luxuries. It’s all right here in this book.  The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook has it all—the techniques, the patterns, the invaluable tips—for creating authentic, perfect, made-to-order footwear.  Even socks for new babies or socks with ten toes.  And who are the Twisted Sisters? A hospice nurse, a post-doc scholar, an organic farmer, an assistant attorney general for the state of Oregon, a high school teacher, a finance and operations manager, a touch therapist, a mom. Your spinning and knitting mentors, your friends.  Paperbound, 8 ½ x 9, 96 pages, 101 color photographs, 35 line drawings, 6 charts.  ISBN: 1-931499-16-0.  $18.95  #239010

WANT NATURAL COLOUR? A ''How To'' Guide for Natural Dyes on Protein Fibers, with Tips, Techniques, Mordanting and Afterbath Processes, Jeanie Reagan.
This is a companion for any of the color picture books on natural dyeing. There is good introductory information for those new to dyeing with plantstuff, fiber preparation and mordanting. The core of this handbook is the abundance of anecdotes and facts about a wide range of plants. The book is a bit Eastern United States oriented as far as the plant names go, but is still very useful compendium of dye lore for the serious dyer. 67 pages. 6'' x 8½'' Enclosed Spiral Bound Softcover. ISBN: 0974747203. $14.95  #139348

YARNS TO DYE FOR: Creating Self-Patterning Knitting Yarns, Kathleen Taylor.
Beginning and veteran knitters alike can learn how to produce homemade self-patterning yarns with this easy, step-by-step guide. Instructions are provided for choosing materials and equipment, skeining and preparing yarn, and painting and dyeing the yarn—all with materials that are found in most grocery and craft stores. Twenty-five quick projects, each presented with dyeing and knitting instructions, will help develop the reader's technique and produce exciting, colorful garments, including gloves, mittens, scarves, and even a summer shell. Guidelines for modifying projects, tips on embellishing, and ideas for leftover yarn are also included.  96 pages.  ISBN: 1931499810. 8 1/2'' x 9'' softcover $21.95  #239135